Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

She called it out. Senator Kyne welcomed the double payment for pensioners, lone parents and people accessing disability payments that is coming through this month. This is in line with the cost-of-living measures introduced by the Government in the last budget to support people with continuing cost-of-living pressures.

As I said, Senator McDowell spoke about the Northern Ireland institutions and the need to acknowledge that any suggestion that a united Ireland is within touching distance upsets many people in the North. While I assume everybody in this House wants to see a united Ireland, it has to be done in the right way. Communities must be brought together. It is important that we are uniting people as opposed to uniting the landmass.

Senator Dooley asked for a debate on the crisis in the SME sector. Senator Maria Byrne also raised that particular issue. There is no doubt but that those in the tourism and hospitality sector are under pressure, as are those in the retail sector. There has been a lot of change for business, all of it for the right reasons, but it has come together at the same time and it is putting pressure on small businesses. On top of that, bed nights have been taken out as a result of beds being used to accommodate refugees. That is putting great pressure on rural businesses that rely on that footfall. I will request a debate with the Minister for enterprise at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Cummins asked for a debate on housing and housing adaptation grants in light of inflation in that sector. I will request that debate.

Senator Keogan spoke about Ann Lovett's anniversary, which is today. The date was 31 January 1984. I take on board the points that she and Senators Murphy and Carrigy have raised as to the need to be respectful and mindful of the family members connected to the issue. I will say no more on that but I note the Senators' comments.

Senator Murphy spoke about the passing of John Connor, a former Fine Gael politician in Roscommon, as did Senators Dolan and Ahearn. I concur with all Senators' remarks in that regard and offer my condolences to his family, community, friends and political party. He led a life of service to the public. He clearly left a strong mark on his colleagues and his community. May he rest in peace.

Senator Carrigy drew our attention to Longford coming third in the Switcher.ie survey. I agree with the Senator's remarks.

Senator Flynn asked for an update on the hate crime legislation. It is the prerogative of Departments to request time for debates on legislation. As it stands, I have not yet been requested to schedule debate on that legislation. We will certainly schedule it when the request comes from the Department.

Senator McGreehan spoke about the issue of GP shortages and requested a debate on the matter, which I will request.

Senator Gavan spoke about aviation policy and the 85% of flights that go out of Dublin Airport. I disagree with his statement that no effort has been made as regards regional balance and our regional airports. There is annual funding for regional airports. Knock Airport has got approximately €6 million in the last 12 months. That is significant funding for the airport. The likes of Shannon and Knock are doing a very good job in attracting customers to their airports and people want to take flights out of those airports. Dublin is the capital so airlines often look to it first. That is not a result of Government policy. It is just that it is where airlines tend to go first. However, I would love to see more flights out of Knock, Shannon and other airports across the country.